Characters & Catchphrases

Andy Ackerman on how Seinfeld phrases made it into the pop culture lexicon

Andy Ackerman on Larry David's admiration of the character "Sgt. Bilko" and how that influenced Curb Your Enthusiasm

Edie Adams on the origin of the famous "Nairobi Trio" sketches on Ernie Kovacs' shows

Lee Adams and Charles Strouse on how their song "Those Were The Days" - the title song to All in the Family - softened "Archie Bunker"

Alan Alda on his M*A*S*H character, "Hawkeye" Pierce

Kay Alden on The Young and the Restless character "Katherine Chancellor" played by Jeanne Cooper and the show's early story lines

Kay Alden on working with Jeanne Cooper who plays "Katherine Chancellor" on The Young and the Restless

Jason Alexander on his Seinfeld character, "George Costanza," being based on Larry David

Jason Alexander on his Seinfeld character, "George Costanza"

Jason Alexander on "George Costanza's" name and how he is similar to the character

Jason Alexander on the catchphrases of his Seinfeld character, "George Costanza"

Debbie Allen on famous quotes from the TV show Fame

Debbie Allen on why "Whitley" and "Dwayne" were such popular characters on A Different World

Steve Allen on coining the phrase "bigger than a bread box" on What's My Line?

John Amos on the character of "James Evans" on Good Times

John Amos on his Roots character, "Kunta Kinte"

John Amos on his character of "Percy Fitzwallace" on The West Wing

John Aniston on his Days of Our Lives character, "Victor Kiriakis," and on his early storylines

Alan A. Armer on David Janssen as "Dr. Richard Kimble" on The Fugitive

Lucie Arnaz on Here's Lucy and her character, "Kim Carter"

James Arness on the character of "Marshall Matt Dillon" on Gunsmoke

Beatrice Arthur on playing the character of "Maude Findlay" on Maude

Beatrice Arthur on "Maude's" catchphrase: "God will get you for that!"

Ed Asner on "Lou Grant"'s "I hate spunk!" from The Mary Tyler Moore Show

Ed Asner on his character "Lou Grant" from The Mary Tyler Moore Show

John Astin on his character, "Gomez Addams," on The Addams Family

Hank Azaria on being cast as "Moe Szyslak" and other characters on The Simpsons  and working with Sam Simon on developing the voices

Hank Azaria on playing "Moe Szyslak" on The Simpsons

Hank Azaria on playing "Apu Nahasapeemapetilon" on The Simpsons

Hank Azaria on playing "Jeff Albertson a.k.a. The Comic Book Guy," "Snake," and "Lou the Cop" on The Simpsons

Hank Azaria on playing "Kirk Van Houten" and "Professor Frink," who was based on Jerry Lewis, on The Simpsons

Hank Azaria on playing "Dr. Nick Riviera" and "Disco Stu" on The Simpsons  and improving lines on the show

Reza Badiyi on Leonard Freeman coming up with the phrase "Book him, Dan-o"

Reza Badiyi on the character "Tony Baretta" 

Bob Barker on The Price is Right catchphrase "come on down!"

Donald P. Bellisario on "Magnum" of Magnum, P.I.  being a veteran of the Vietnam War

Donald P. Bellisario on Scott Bakula as "Sam" in Quantum Leap

Harve Bennett on Lee Majors as "Steve Austin" running in The Six Million Dollar Man

Rick Berman on Patrick Stewart as "Captain Picard" on Star Trek: The Next Generation

Rick Berman on Leonard Nimoy appearing as "Spock" on Star Trek: The Next Generation

Rick Berman on Kate Mulgrew as "Captain Janeway" on Star Trek: Voyager

Rick Berman on Scott Bakula as "Captain Archer" on Star Trek: Enterprise

Ken Berry on Vicki Lawrence as "Mama" on Mama's Family

Ken Berry on playing "Vinton Harper" on Mama's Family

Barbara Billingsley on "June Cleaver's" high heels and pearls

Robert Blackman on the "Picard maneuver" on Star Trek: The Next Generation

Lucille Bliss on a demonstration of the voices of "Rags" and "Crusader Rabbit" on Crusader Rabbit

Lucille Bliss on getting the role of "Smurfette" on The Smurfs

Lucille Bliss on "Smurfette's" relationship to her fellow Smurfs on The Smurfs

Lucille Bliss on a demonstration of "Smurfette's" voice on The Smurfs

Lucille Bliss on her character "Smurfette" on The Smurfs

Allan Blye on Bob Einstein's character "Super Dave Osborne"

Allan Blye on the popularity of Bob Einstein's "Super Dave Osborne" character and his various appearances on television and in a Nike commercial

Steven Bochco on NYPD Blue's "Detective Andy Sipowicz", played by Dennis Franz

Ernest Borgnine on his character on Airwolf

Tom Bosley on his character "Father Dowling" on Father Dowling Mysteries, and on Mary Wicks on the show

Peter Boyle on playing "Frank Barone" on Everybody Loves Raymond

Peter Boyle on "Frank Barone's" catchphrase "Holy Crap" on Everybody Loves Raymond

Eric Braeden on "Victor Newman's" attitude towards women on The Young and the Restless

Bernie Brillstein on Kermit the Frog

Bernie Brillstein on Miss Piggy being based on Peggy Lee

David Brinkley on teaming up with Chet Huntley (and the origin of their "Good Night" signoffs)

Connie Britton on Friday Night Lights'  catchphrase, "Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose"

Connie Britton on her Friday Night Lights character "Tami Taylor" and how she developed over the series

Connie Britton on her character "Rayna Jaymes" on Nashville

James L. Brooks on the character of "Rhoda Morgenstern"

James L. Brooks on the inspiration for "Louie De Palma" on Taxi

James L. Brooks on the inspiration for "Alex Reiger" on Taxi

James L. Brooks on the character of "Elaine Nardo" on Taxi

James L. Brooks on the character of "Bobby Wheeler" on Taxi

James L. Brooks on the popularity of "Bart Simpson"

James L. Brooks on "Homer Simpson"

James L. Brooks on "Marge Simpson"

James L. Brooks on "Bart Simpson"

James L. Brooks on "Lisa Simpson"

James L. Brooks on "Maggie Simpson"

James L. Brooks on "Ned Flanders"

James L. Brooks on "Mr. Burns"

James L. Brooks on "Smithers"

James L. Brooks on "Principal Skinner"

James L. Brooks on "Mo"

James L. Brooks on "Apu"

James L. Brooks on "Krusty the Clown"

James L. Brooks on "Itchy and Scratchy"

James L. Brooks on "Sideshow Bob"

James L. Brooks on "Nelson"

James L. Brooks on catchphrases of The Simpsons

Alton Brown on pop culture references on Good Eats

Alton Brown on characters on Good Eats - "W", crew members on camera, food experts, and the lady in the refrigerator

Harvey Bullock on writing for Don Knotts as "Barney Fife" on The Andy Griffith Show

Harvey Bullock on Jim Nabors as "Gomer Pyle" on The Andy Griffith Show

Harvey Bullock on writing The Andy Griffith Show  episode "One Punch Opie" and "Barney's" catchphrase "Nip it in the bud"

Carol Burnett on how Bob Mackie's costumes helped her create characters on The Carol Burnett Show

Carol Burnett on her Tarzan laugh

Mark Burnett on Survivor host Jeff Probst's catchphrase, "the tribe has spoken"

Mark Burnett on the Survivor catchphrase, "out wit, out play, out last"

Allan Burns on creating "Cap'n Crunch"

James Burrows on Andy Kaufman's "Latka" and "Tony Clifton" on Taxi

James Burrows on Danny DeVito's "Louie De Palma" on Taxi

James Burrows on casting George Wendt as "Norm" on Cheers

James Burrows on casting "Cliff Clavin" on Cheers

LeVar Burton on understanding and relating to his Roots character, "Kunta Kinte"

LeVar Burton on his Roots character, "Kunta Kinte"

Le Var Burton on his Star Trek: The Next Generation character "Geordi La Forge"

Robert Butler on directing Columbo  

David Canary on his first impressions of his All My Children character "Adam Chandler" and distinguishing him from his twin brother "Stuart Chandler"

Stephen J. Cannell on the theme song and catch phrases of Baretta

Diahann Carroll on the "startling" 1968 opening sequence of Julia

Diahann Carroll on the essence of the creation of her Dynasty character Dominique Deveraux

Chris Carter on casting Gillian Anderson as "Dana Scully" and David Duchovny as "Fox Mulder" on The X-Files

Nancy Cartwright on "Bart Simpson"

Nancy Cartwright on the character of  "Bart Simpson" during the show's initial sketches

Nancy Cartwright on "Bart Simpson's" catchphrases

Nancy Cartwright on what makes "Bart Simpson" so lovable

Dan Castellaneta on the appeal of his Simpsons character, "Homer Simpson"

Dan Castellaneta on the catch phrases of "Homer Simpson" on The Simpsons

Dan Castellaneta on doing the voice of "Krusty the Clown" on The Simpsons

Dan Castellaneta on doing the voices of "Grandpa Simpson" and "Groundskeeper Willie" on The Simpsons

Dan Castellaneta on doing the voices for "Mayor Quimby" and "Barney Gumble" on The Simpsons

Glen and Les Charles on the title character "Phyllis" on Phyllis

Glen and Les Charles on the character "Louie De Palma" on Taxi

Glen and Les Charles on the character "Alex Reiger" (played by Judd Hirsch) on Taxi

Glen and Les Charles on the basis of the character "Norm Peterson" on Cheers

Glen and Les Charles on the basis of the character "Sam Malone" on Cheers

Glen and Les Charles on the basis of the character "Coach" on Cheers

Glen and Les Charles on the basis of the character "Cliff Clavin" on Cheers

Glen and Les Charles on the basis of the character "Carla Tortelli" on Cheers

Glen and Les Charles on which characters on Cheers changed the most throughout the run of the show

Glen and Les Charles on the title character "Phyllis" on Phyllis

Glen and Les Charles on the character "Louie De Palma" on Taxi

Glen and Les Charles on the character "Alex Reiger" (played by Judd Hirsch) on Taxi

Glen and Les Charles on the basis of the character "Norm Peterson" on Cheers

Glen and Les Charles on the basis of the character "Sam Malone" on Cheers

Glen and Les Charles on the basis of the character "Coach" on Cheers

Glen and Les Charles on the basis of the character "Cliff Clavin" on Cheers

Glen and Les Charles on the basis of the character "Carla Tortelli" on Cheers

Glen and Les Charles on which characters on Cheers changed the most throughout the run of the show

RuPaul Charles on the catchphrases and tag lines of RuPaul's Drag Race

Tom Cherones on Seinfeld catchphrases

Michael Chiklis on playing "Tony Scali" on The Commish and meeting the real man upon whom the character was based

Michael Chiklis on his character, "Detective Vic Mackey" on The Shield

Robert Clary on his character, "LeBeau," on Hogan's Heroes

Bob Claver on the characters of The Partridge Family and the musical aspects of the show

Andy Cohen on the Top Chef catchphrase "Pack Your Knives and Go"

Robert Conrad on his character "James T. West" on The Wild, Wild West

Robert Conrad on the legacy of his The Wild, Wild West character, "James T. West"

Richard Coogan on the character and influence of "Captain Video" of Captain Video and His Video Rangers

Hal Cooper on directing Beatrice Arthur as "Maude Findlay" on Maude

Jeanne Cooper on the development and evolution of her character "Katherine Chancellor" on The Young and the Restless

Jeanne Cooper on the subject of "Katherine Chancellor's" plastic surgery on The Young and the Restless

Ken Corday on how Days of Our Lives is different than other soap operas

Ken Corday on Days of Our Lives great ratings and characters in the '80s

Ken Corday on the Salem Strangler storyline of Days of Our Lives

Ken Corday on "Stefano DiMera," Days of Our Lives' first super-villain, and his son Tony

Ken Corday on Kristian Alfonso joining Days of Our Lives' as "Hope"

Ken Corday on Days of Our Lives patriarch Macdonald Carey, "Tom Horton"

Ken Corday on the "Carly buried alive" storyline

Ken Corday on the "Marlena is possessed" storyline

Billy Crystal on the popularity of his "Fernando" character on Saturday Night Live, and his catchphrase, "You look marvelous"

Billy Crystal on his "Sammy Davis, Jr." imitation on Saturday Night Live

Robert Culp on playing "Hoby Gilman" on the western series Trackdown

Robert Culp on his I Spy character, "Kelly Robinson"

Jane Curtin on participating in Saturday Night Live's  "Coneheads" sketches 

Jane Curtin on playing the mother in "The Nerds" sketches on Saturday Night Live

Bill Daily on co-starring on The Bob Newhart Show as "Howard Borden" and the show's talented writers

Bill Dana on how "Jose Jimenez" became an astronaut, based on a comment by Neil Simon 

Bill Dana on the birth of his character "Jose Jimenez" on The Steve Allen Show in 1959

Bill Dana on his character "Jose Jimenez" who first appeared  as "Jose the Astronaut" on The Garry Moore Show

Bill Dana on the perceived backlash to "Jose Jimenez"

Bill Dana on retiring his "Jose Jimenez" character

Greg Daniels on writing the supporting characters on The Office and creating story arcs

Richard Dawson on his Hogan's Heroes character, "Peter Newkirk"

Richard Dawson on his Hogan's Heroes character, "Peter Newkirk"

Ruby Dee on her role on Peyton Place

Elinor Donahue on getting cast as "Betty 'Princess' Anderson" on Father Knows Best

Elinor Donahue on her Father Knows Best character, "Betty Anderson"

Elinor Donahue on the reason for her short-lived role as "Ellie May Walker" on The Andy Griffith Show

Elinor Donahue on her role as "Evil Nurse Hunnicut" on Days of Our Lives

Mike Douglas on his catchphrase "I'll be right back" and The Mike Douglas Show sets

Dick Ebersol on Eddie Murphy wanting to kill "Buckwheat"

Dick Ebersol on the birth of the Blues Brothers

Roger Ebert on the origin of "thumbs up" and "thumbs down" and trademarking the phrase "two thumbs up"

Barbara Eden getting the role of "Jeannie" on I Dream of Jeannie and her interpretation of the character

Hector Elizondo on his Chicago Hope  character "Dr. Phillip Watters"

Linda Ellerbee on her sign off, "And so it goes," and on the name of her production company, Lucky Duck

Dick Enberg on his catch phrase, "Oh my"

Diane English on naming the character of "Murphy Brown"

Diane English on what Candice Bergen brought to the role of "Murphy Brown"

Diane English on the strong, believable character, "Murphy Brown"

Diane English on "Eldin Bernecky" as "Murphy Brown's" Jiminy Cricket

Diane English on Candice Bergen's contributions to her character, "Murphy Brown"

Host Bob Eubanks on the origin of The Newlywed Game's euphemism "makin' whoopee"

Edie Falco on "Carmela Soprano's" faith on The Sopranos and her relationship with her priest

Jamie Farr on his character, "Klinger" on M*A*S*H

Jamie Farr on "Klinger's" strengths and weaknesses

Jamie Farr on how he's similar to his character, "Klinger" on M*A*S*H

Jamie Farr on how "Klinger" on M*A*S*H evolved over the series

Jamie Farr on why "Klinger" stopped wearing dresses on M*A*S*H

Jamie Farr on "Klinger's" wedding dress on M*A*S*H

Jamie Farr on his input for "Klinger's" character traits on M*A*S*H

Jamie Farr on "Klinger" on M*A*S*H being an iconic character

Jamie Farr on how Larry Gelbart got the inspiration for "Maxwell Q. Klinger" on M*A*S*H

Jamie Farr on his input on "Klinger's" wardrobe on M*A*S*H

Jamie Farr on awkward off-camera moments dressed as  M*A*S*H 's "Klinger"

Jamie Farr on his favorite "Klinger" outfits on  M*A*S*H

Irving Fein on Jack Benny's radio/TV persona and real life personality

Irving Fein on Jack Benny's guest appearance on The $64,000 Question (that led to a subsequent appearance of $64,000 Question host Hal March on The Jack Benny Program)

Irving Fein on Jack Benny's violin bit

Irving Fein on Jack Benny's classic comedy bits: Maxwell, the vault and the feud with Fred Allen

Irving Fein on The Jack Benny Program's Eddie Anderson

Barbara Feldon on the character "99" she played on Get Smart

Barbara Feldon on her Get Smart character, "99"

Barbara Feldon on Get Smart catchphrases

Norman Felton on Ian Fleming coming up with the name "Napoleon Solo" for The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

Sally Field on the premise of Gidget and on the character of "Gidget"

Sally Field on her The Flying Nun character "Sister Bertrille"

Dorothy Fontana on the original concept and vision of Star Trek, the pilot process, and the sale of the series to NBC

Dorothy Fontana on the technology used in Star Trek's world

Dorothy Fontana on Star Trek's "Klingons"

June Foray on "Rocky's" catchphrase "Hoky Smoke" and other catchphrases on The Bullwinkle Show

John Forsythe on providing the voice of "Charlie" on Charlie's Angels  for producer Aaron Spelling

Michael J. Fox on the character "Archie Bunker" from All in the Family

Michael J. Fox on "Alex P. Keaton" on Family Ties; what Gary David Goldberg intended with the character

Fred Foy on his first broadcast of "The Lone Ranger" on radio and saying, "A fiery horse with a speed of cloud and dust, and a hearty Hi-yo Silver, the Lone Ranger!"

Fred Foy on how the "Lone Ranger"' was never portrayed as a killer

Fred Foy on developing the voice as "The Lone Ranger's" announcer and on his influences

Fred Foy performs the memorable opening narration that he did for both radio and TV's "The Lone Ranger"

Dennis Franz on the traits of his character "Norman Buntz;" on returning to a show playing a different character; on the popularity of Hill Street Blues and his favorite "Norman Buntz" storyline

Dennis Franz on the positive traits of his NYPD Blue character, "Andy Sipowicz"

Dennis Franz on his character of "Sipowicz" on NYPD Blue

Jonathan Frid on his Dark Shadows character "Barnabas Collins"

Gerald Fried on working on the theme for It's About Time

Gerald Fried on "Spock's theme" for Star Trek

Lowell Ganz on Happy Days' catchphrases

Lowell Ganz on the popularity of the "Fonzie" character on Happy Days  and working with Ron Howard

Lowell Ganz on making "Lenny" and "Squiggy" the "breakout" characters of Laverne & Shirley

Arthur Gardner on why Chuck Connors was the perfect actor to play "The Rifleman"

James Garner on his character, "Bret Maverick," on Maverick

James Garner on "Maverick" as the anti-hero

James Garner on the character of "Jim Rockford" on The Rockford Files

Brad Garrett on getting cast as "Robert Barone" in Everybody Loves Raymond

Brad Garrett on where "Robert Barone" fit in the family on Everybody Loves Raymond

Brad Garrett on "Robert Barone's" character development over the course of Everybody Loves Raymond's 9 seasons; on the relationship between "Robert" and "Ray"

Brad Garrett on "Robert Barone's" voice and chin touching on Everybody Loves Raymond

Brad Garrett on his character "Eddie Stark" on 'Til Death

Anthony Geary and Genie Francis on the beginning of the "Luke and Laura" storyline phenomenon on General Hospital

Larry Gelbart on how Jamie Farr was cast as the cross-dressing "Klinger" on M*A*S*H

Marla Gibbs on her Jeffersons character, "Florence Johnston"

Marla Gibbs on her 227 character, "Mary Jenkins"

Melissa Gilbert on playing "Laura Ingalls" on Little House on the Prairie

Melissa Gilbert on her character "Laura Ingalls" on Little House on the Prairie

Paul Michael Glaser on "Starsky's" iconic wardrobe on Starsky and Hutch

Paul Michael Glaser on the car on Starsky and Hutch  and doing his own stunts

Lesli Linka Glatter on Kyle MacLachlan as "Agent Dale Cooper" on Twin Peaks, and on the 2017 revival of the show

Gary David Goldberg on Michael J. Fox's character of "Mike Flaherty" on Spin City

Louis Gossett, Jr. on playing "Fiddler" on Roots,

Walon Green on introducing the character "Lt. Norman Buntz" played by Dennis Franz on Hill Street Blues

Walon Green on writing the first NYPD Blue episode with Jimmy Smits as "Bobby Simone,""Simone Says"

Everett Greenbaum on the creation of "Gomer Pyle" on The Andy Griffith Show

Everett Greenbaum on the death of "Col Henry Blake" on M*A*S*H

Everett Greenbaum on the characters of M*A*S*H

Robert Guillaume on changes to the character of "Benson" when transitioning from Soap to Benson

Robert Guillaume on playing "Benson" in a way in which things would be funny to him and not just have "Benson" be a buffoon

Robert Guillaume on his character in Sports Night

Larry Hagman on his Dallas character, J.R. Ewing

Jon Hamm on his process for playing the "Dick Whitman/Don Draper" duality on Mad Men and his working relationship with Matthew Weiner

Jon Hamm on similarities between his father and "Don Draper" on Mad Men; on going to dark places with the character

Earl Hamner on working with Rod Serling and writing teleplays for The Twilight Zone

Earl Hamner on working on the TV version of The Homecoming with actress Patricia Neal in the role of the mother

Earl Hamner on working on the TV version of The Homecoming with Richard Thomas in the role of John Boy and other members of the cast

Earl Hamner on how the "Goodnight John Boy" trademark came into being

Earl Hamner on where sayings originated for The Waltons

Valerie Harper on the character of "Rhoda Morgenstern"

Valerie Harper on the elements she brought to the character of "Rhoda Morgenstern"

Valerie Harper on "Rhoda Morgenstern's" fashion sense v. that of "Mary Richards"

Valerie Harper on how marriage changed "Rhoda"

Patricia Heaton on "Debra Barone," her character on Everybody Loves Raymond

Patricia Heaton on the relationship between "Debra Barone" and her family on Everybody Loves Raymond

Kathering Helmond on her character "Mona" on Who's the Boss? and the way she played that risque role; and what the role taught about widowers having a full life

Sherman Hemsley on the creation of the "walk" for George Jefferson's character on The Jeffersons

Sherman Hemsley on how Isabel Sanford's character's "Weezy" nickname came about on The Jeffersons

Florence Henderson on the development of "Carol Brady" on The Brady Bunch

Florence Henderson on "Carol Brady" and the concept of The Brady Bunch

Marilu Henner on the character of "Elaine Nardo" on Taxi

Paul Henning on Buddy Ebsen agreeing to star as "Jed Clampett" in The Beverly Hillbillies

Buck Henry on his Saturday Night Live character "Uncle Roy"

Don Herbert on how he got the name Mr. Wizard on Watch Mr. Wizard

Monica Horan on how the title for Everybody Loves Raymond came into being

Ron Howard on how his Andy Griffith Show character "Opie Taylor" developed from his real-life father's talks with Andy Griffith

Ron Howard on his Andy Griffith Show character "Opie Taylor's" relationship with his father 

Ron Howard describes the premise of Happy Days and breakout character "Fonzie"

Ron Howard on how "Fonzie" on Happy Days was being groomed to compete with "J.J." on Good Times

Ron Howard on the network and studio's waning interest in him on Happy Days in light of breakout character "Fonzie"

Ron Howard on his Happy Days character, "Richie Cunningham"

Ron Howard on his character "Richie's" relationship to "Fonzie" on Happy Days

Ron Howard on the Happy Days episode "My Favorite Orkan" (which introduced "Mork") and Robin Williams' talent

Ron Howard on "Richie's" memorable rendition of "Blueberry Hill" on Happy Days

Ron Howard on the inspiration for his trademark laugh from Happy Days

Ron Howard on what might have been "Richie Cunningham's" career trajectory following Happy Days

Ron Howard on Henry Winkler's role as oddball lawyer "Barry Zuckerhorn" on Arrested Development

Ron Howard on his role as the narrator of Arrested Development

Felicity Huffman on her character on Sports Night, "Dana Whitaker"

Felicity Huffman on her conflicted feelings about the relationship between her character on Sports Night, "Dana Whitaker" and Peter Krause's character, "Casey McCall"

Felicity Huffman on her Desperate Housewives character, "Lynette Scavo"

Felicity Huffman on her character on season 2 of American Crime, "Leslie Graham"

Roy Huggins on casting Jack Kelly as "Bart Maverick" on Maverick

Ken Levine and David Isaacs on "Hawkeye Pierce," played by Alan Alda, and "Max Klinger," played by Jamie Farr, being their favorite M*A*S*H characters to write for

Ken Levine and David Isaacs on developing the characters of Cheers and creating the character of "Eddie LeBec," played by Jay Thomas

Ken Levine and David Isaacs on the relationship between "Sam Malone," played by Ted Danson, and "Diane Chambers," played by Shelley Long, on Cheers

Ken Levine and David Isaacs on the relationship between "Frasier Crane," played by Kelsey Grammer, and "Lilith Sternin," played by Bebe Neuwirth, on Cheers

Ken Levine and David Isaacs on writing for "Sam Malone," played by Ted Danson ,and "Diane Chambers," played by Shelley Long, on Cheers

Ken Levine and David Isaacs on how "Frasier Crane," played by Kelsey Grammer, changed from Cheers to Frasier

Ken Levine and David Isaacs on the relationship between "Niles Crane," played by David Hyde Pierce, and "Daphne Moon," played by Jane Leeves, on Frasier

Dallas creator David Jacobs on the character of J.R. Ewing

Dallas creator David Jacobs on the characters of Dallas

Allison Janney on her West Wing character, "C.J. Cregg, and what she brought to the role

Al Jean on Julie Kavner as "Marge Simpson" on The Simpsons

Al Jean on Nancy Cartwright as "Bart Simpson" on The Simpsons

Al Jean on the names of The Simpsons characters and Matt Groening's involvement

Al Jean on the voices and catchphrases of The Simpsons

Al Jean on the catchphrases of The Simpsons

Russell Johnson on "The Professor" being asexual on Gilligan's Island

Chuck Jones on the creation of "Daffy Duck"; on "Bugs Bunny's" catch phrase "What's up, doc?" - on where the "doc" came from, and how "Bugs Bunny" got his name

Chuck Jones on the difference between Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck

Chuck Jones on the creation of Daffy Duck

Chuck Jones on Pepe Le Pew and confidence; on the difference between nude and naked

Chuck Jones on Wile E. Coyote and the parody of a chase

Shirley Jones on the character of "Shirley Partridge" on The Partridge Family, and on the writers getting ideas from Shirley Jones' life

Robert Justman on Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley and William Shatner and their Star Trek characters

Robert Justman on LeVar Burton's character on Star Trek: The Next Generation

Eddie Kean on coining the word "cowabunga" on Howdy Doody

Bob Keeshan on playing "Clarabell the Clown" on Howdy Doody

Bob Keeshan on playing the character of "Clarabell the Clown" on Howdy Doody

Bob Keeshan on Hugh Brannum, "Mr. Green Jeans" on Captain Kangaroo

Bob Keeshan on Cosmo "Gus" Allegretti, who played "Mr. Moose", "Bunny", and "Grandfather Clock" on Captain Kangaroo

Bob Keeshan on the character of "Captain Kangaroo"

Bob Keeshan on the character of "Tom Terrific" on Captain Kangaroo

Barry Kemp on the characters "Larry", "Darryl" and "Darryl" on Newhart

Barry Kemp on the opening theme to Newhart and the opening sequence

Larry King on his trademark suspenders

Eartha Kitt on playing "Catwoman" on Batman

Jack Klugman on the role of "Oscar" on The Odd Couple

Jack Klugman on his Quincy, M.E. character being two heroes in one

Don Knotts on performing his Three's Company character "Ralph Furley's" "fainting spell" backward falls

Walter Koenig on his  Star Trek character "Pavel Chekov"

Bernie Kopell on his character, "Doc's," prowess with the ladies on The Love Boat, and on Charo and Tom Hanks guest-starring on the show

Harvey Korman on voicing "The Great Gazoo" on The Flintstones

Sheila Kuehl on her Many Loves of Dobie Gillis character "Zelda Gilroy"

Angela Lansbury on her Murder, She Wrote character, "Jessica 'J. B.' Fletcher"

Glen A. Larson on creating "Kitt" the car on Knight Rider

Jack Larson on the instant popularity of "Jimmy Olsen" on Adventures of Superman and being typecast as an actor

Jack Larson on why the "Superman" character has remained popular

Louise Lasser on her character, "Mary Hartman," on Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman

Piper Laurie on portraying "Catherine Martell" on Twin Peaks

Lucy Lawless on the character of "Xena" on Xena: Warrior Princess

Michael Learned on her character of "Olivia Walton" on The Waltons

Michael Learned on The Waltons'  catchphrases and the scenes around the dinner table

David Lee on Frasier's  running gags

David Lee on the difference between "Frasier Crane" on Cheers  and Frasier

David Lee on the never-seen character of "Maris Crane" on Frasier 

Stan Lee on the enduring nature of the Spider-Man character

Sheldon Leonard on the secret of The Andy Griffith Show's success: Andy Griffith's willingness to subdue his comedy talents

Ken Levine and David Isaacs on "Hawkeye Pierce," played by Alan Alda, and "Max Klinger," played by Jamie Farr, being their favorite M*A*S*H  characters to write for

Ken Levine and David Isaacs on developing the characters of Cheers  and creating the character of "Eddie LeBec," played by Jay Thomas

Ken Levine and David Isaacs on the relationship between "Sam Malone," played by Ted Danson, and "Diane Chambers," played by Shelley Long, on Cheers

Ken Levine and David Isaacs on the relationship between "Frasier Crane," played by Kelsey Grammer, and "Lilith Sternin," played by Bebe Neuwirth, on Cheers

Ken Levine and David Isaacs on writing for "Sam Malone," played by Ted Danson ,and "Diane Chambers," played by Shelley Long, on Cheers

Ken Levine and David Isaacs on how "Frasier Crane," played by Kelsey Grammer, changed from Cheers  to Frasier 

Ken Levine and David Isaacs on the relationship between "Niles Crane," played by David Hyde Pierce, and "Daphne Moon," played by Jane Leeves, on Frasier

Barry Levinson on Richard Belzer's Homicide: Life on the Street character, "John Munch," being a crossover character with Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Steve Levitan on Ed O'Neill as "Jay Pritchett" on Modern Family

Steve Levitan on Sofia Vergara as "Gloria Delgado-Pritchett" on Modern Family

Steve Levitan on Julie Bowen as "Claire Dunphy" on Modern Family

Steve Levitan on Ty Burrell as "Phil Dunphy" on Modern Family

Steve Levitan on Jesse Tyler Ferguson as "Mitchell Pritchett" on Modern Family

Steve Levitan on Eric Stonestreet as "Cameron Tucker" on Modern Family

Steve Levitan on Rico Rodriguez as "Manny Delgado" on Modern Family

Steve Levitan on Sarah Hyland as "Haley Dunphy" on Modern Family

Steve Levitan on Ariel Winter as "Alex Dunphy" on Modern Family

Steve Levitan on Nolan Gould as "Luke Dunphy" on Modern Family

Judith Light on her Who's the Boss? character "Angela Bower's" wardrobe and the costumes for the cast

Judith Light on her Ugly Betty character "Claire Meade" and working with America Ferrera as "Betty Suarez"

Hal Linden on the character "Barney Miller" on Barney Miller

Hal Linden on the weaknesses of "Barney Miller" on Barney Miller and other traits of the character

William Link on Lt. Columbo's trademark raincoat, car and cigars on Columbo

William Link on "Columbo's" catch phrase, "Just one more thing"

Warren Littlefield on replacing Nicholas Colasanto as "Coach" with Woody Harrelson on Cheers

Warren Littlefield on replacing Shelly Long as "Diane" with Kirstie Alley as "Rebecca" on Cheers

Barry Livingston on his My Three Sons character "Ernie Thompson Douglas" and how he moved from the boy next door to adopted son; on "Ernie's" strengths and weaknesses

Norman Lloyd on Alfred Hitchcock's on-screen introductions on Alfred Hitchcock Presents

Chuck Lorre on Brett Butler joining Grace Under Fire and using Brett's backstory as Grace's - spousal abuse

Julia Louis-Dreyfus on her character "Elaine Benes'" phrase "GET OUT!" on Seinfeld

Julia Louis-Dreyfus on her character "Elaine Benes" on Seinfeld

Julia Louis-Dreyfus on developing her character "Selina Meyer" on Veep

Julia Louis-Dreyfus on "Selina Meyer's" strengths and weaknesses on Veep; on making the character relatable

Susan Lucci on her All My Children character "Erica Kane" 

Gavin MacLeod on his Mary Tyler Moore Show character "Murray Slaughter"

Gavin MacLeod on his Love Boat character "Captain Merrill Stubing"

William H. Macy on playing "Dr. David Morgenstern" on ER

William H. Macy on his Shameless character, "Frank Gallagher" falling in love in season 5

William H. Macy on playing his Shameless character, "Frank Gallagher," as sober after many seasons of his character being frequently drunk

Jodi Mancuso on being the inspiration for Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph's "Bronx Beat" sketches on Saturday Night Live

Jodi Mancuso on working with Tom Hanks on the "David S. Pumpkins" sketch on Saturday Night Live

Jodi Mancuso on hairstyling for the Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special and on wigs for old characters like "Roseanne Roseannadanna" and "The Church Lady"

Jodi Mancuso on doing wigs for Portlandia characters "Toni" and "Candace," the bookstore ladies, and gender swap couple "Nina" and "Lance"

Ann Marcus on the catchphrases of Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman

Rose Marie on her Dick Van Dyke Show character "Sally Rogers"

Garry Marshall on the creation of the Fonz on Happy Days

Garry Marshall on negotiating with ABC so Fonzie could wear a leather jacket on Happy Days

Penny Marshall on the character of "Laverne DeFazio" on Laverne & Shirley

Cindy Williams and Penny Marshall on how the characters of "Laverne DeFazio" and "Shirley Feeney" changed in the transition from Happy Days  to Laverne & Shirley  and the wardrobe and set design of the show

Dick Martin on the catchphrases of Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In

Jerry Mathers on how he got the part of "The Beaver" on Leave It To Beaver

Jerry Mathers on how the name "Beaver" was chosen for his character on Leave It To Beaver

Jerry Mathers on "Beaver's" manner of speaking on Leave It To Beaver

David McCallum on shooting the pilot of The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and on the expansion of his character, "Illya Kuryakin"

David McCallum on his character, "Illya Kuryakin's" accent, wardrobe, and wedding ring on The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

David McCallum on how he would describe his NCIS character, "Dr. Donald Mallard" aka "Ducky'" and on "Ducky's" retirement and becoming NCIS historian

David McCallum on "Ducky's" heart attack at the end of season nine of NCIS and on his role as a mentor

Rue McClanahan on "Blanche Devereaux's" accent and wardrobe on The Golden Girls

Bob McGrath on his character of "Bob" on Sesame Street

Bob McGrath on his fond memories of working with Carroll Spinney as "Big Bird" and "Oscar The Grouch" on Sesame Street

Ed McMahon on his "Here's Johnny!" introduction on the The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, which started on the first episode of the show

Jayne Meadows on her sister Audrey Meadows as "Alice Kramden" on The Honeymooners

Burt Metcalfe on the death of "Col Henry Blake" on M*A*S*H

Al Michaels on his experience of calling U.S. Hockey team defeating the Soviets at the Winter Olympics and on coming up with "Do you believe in miracles?"

David Milch on Ian McShane as "Al Swearengen" on Deadwood

Nolan Miller on working with the three original Charlie's Angels: Jaclyn Smith as "Kelly Garrett," Kate Jackson as "Sabrina Duncan," and Farrah Fawcett as "Jill Munroe"

Nolan Miller on costuming Joan Collins as "Alexis Morell Carrington Colby Dexter" on Dynasty

Ricardo Montalban on the Fantasy Island character "Tattoo" and actor Herve Villechaize

Mary Tyler Moore on her "Oh Rob!" catchphrase on The Dick Van Dyke Show

Mary Tyler Moore on tossing hat in the air for the opening of The Mary Tyler Moore Show

Harry Morgan on playing "Bill Gannon" on Dragnet

Harry Morgan on his M*A*S*H character, Colonel Sherman Potter

Pat Morita on his character of "Arnold Takahashi" on Happy Days

Garrett Morris on his character "Wheels" on the TV show Roll Out!

Garrett Morris on Kat Dennings' character on 2 Broke Girls

Garrett Morris on Kat Dennings' character on 2 Broke Girls

Garrett Morris on one of his most beloved Saturday Night Live characters - "Chico Escuela", created by Bill Murray and Brian Doyle Murray

Garrett Morris on one of his most beloved Saturday Night Live characters - the news announcer for the hard of hearing, created by Chevy Chase

Garrett Morris on Jonathan Kite's character "Oleg" on 2 Broke Girls

Michael Moye on Jimmie Walker's catchphrase "Dynomite" on Good Times

Michael Moye on Jackee Harry's character "Sandra Clark" on 227

Michael Moye on Ed O'Neill as "Al Bundy" on Married...With Children

Michael Moye on Katey Sagal as "Peggy Bundy" on Married...With Children

Michael Moye on Christina Applegate as "Kelly Bundy" on Married...With Children

Diana Muldaur on her L.A. Law character "Rosalind Shays," and on the reaction to the character

Bill Mumy on his Lost in Space character "Will Robinson"

David Newell on his Mister Rogers' Neighborhood character, "Mr. McFeely"

David Newell on his Mister Rogers' Neighborhood character, "Mr. McFeely"

David Newell on his Mister Rogers' Neighborhood character, "Mr. McFeely's," catch phrase: "Speedy delivery"

Bob Newhart on the catchphrase "Hi, Bob!" from The Bob Newhart Show

Nichelle Nichols on the backstory and personality of her Star Trek character "Nyota Upenda Uhura"

Leonard Nimoy on his Star Trek character "Mr. Spock's" trademark eyebrow arching

Leonard Nimoy on being influenced in his Star Trek "Mr. Spock" characterization by something he saw Harry Belafonte do on stage circa the 1950s

Leonard Nimoy on his Star Trek character "Mr. Spock"

Leonard Nimoy on his make-up as Star Trek's "Mr. Spock" and how it eventually gravitated toward a "cooler, more controlled" look

Leonard Nimoy on his Star Trek character "Mr. Spock's" inclusion being questioned within a network television system that relied on the norm

Leonard Nimoy on his discovery that the original marketing campaign of Star Trek tried to de-emphasize his character "Mr. Spock's" "devilish" look

Leonard Nimoy on his creation of "Mr. Spock's" Vulcan salute and its use in the episode "Amok Time"

Leonard Nimoy on his creation of "Mr. Spock's" Vulcan nerve pinch

Leonard Nimoy on the Star Trek episode "The Devil in the Dark," and "Spock's" mind meld ability

Bill Nye on how much of a persona he has on Bill Nye, The Science Guy

Louis Nye on developing his "Gordon Hathaway" character

Hugh O'Brian on the real life Wyatt Earp and his marriage to Josie Marcus

Carroll O'Connor on his character, "Archie Bunker," on All in the Family

Carroll O'Connor on the perception of "Archie Bunker" by the viewing public

Carroll O'Connor on the source of "Archie Bunker's" malaprops and on series developer/executive producer Norman Lear's contribution to the nicknames "Archie" used

Ed O'Neill on his Married... with Children character, "Al Bundy"

Ed O'Neill on how he's like his Married... with Children character, "Al Bundy"

Ed O'Neill on his Married... with Children character, "Al Bundy" and his strengths, weaknesses, stance, and catchphrases

Ed O'Neill on his Modern Family character, "Jay Pritchett"

Roscoe Orman on his audition for "Gordon" on Sesame Street and meeting with writer Jon Stone

Roscoe Orman on his Sesame Street character "Gordon"

Don Pardo on an SNL skit where he plays "Ron Lardo" and recites his famous line "It's Saturday Night Live"

Fess Parker on the costume he wore for Davy Crockett, including the iconic coonskin cap

Jacques Pépin on his "happy cooking" sign-off

Regis Philbin on Who Wants to be a Millionaire's: "Is that your final answer?"

Martha Quinn on the famous "I Want My MTV" ad campaign

Joyce Randolph on her role as "Trixie" on The Honeymooners

Dan Rather on his sign-off, "And that's a part of our world"

Tim Reid on working with Hugh Wilson to create the character of "Venus Flytrap" on WKRP in Cincinnati -- on the character's musical tastes, clothes, earring, and beard

Rob Reiner on "Mike's" nickname "Meathead" on All in the Family, which came from what Norman Lear's father used to call him

Del Reisman on Rod Serling's on-camera introductions for The Twilight Zone

Gene Reynolds on casting Alan Alda as "Hawkeye Pierce" on M*A*S*H

John Rich on All in the Family's "Archie Bunker"

John Rich on using props to tell backstory of characters - as he did with Sherman Hemsley's "George Jefferson"

Jack Riley on what made his character of "Elliott Carlin" funny on The Bob Newhart Show

Joan Rivers on her catchphrase "Can We Talk?" and building her humor

Fred Rogers on the sweaters he wore on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood

Fred Rogers on the creation of "Daniel Tiger"

Fred Rogers on the puppets of The Children's Corner, including "Daniel Tiger," "King Friday XIII," and "Lady Elaine Fairchild"

Phil Roman on the characters and themes of the Charlie Brown Specials

Phil Roman on the character of "Garfield" the cat on the Garfield Specials voiced by Lorenzo Music

Phil Rosenthal on differences between Ray Romano and "Ray Barone"

Phil Rosenthal on how Doris Roberts differs from "Marie Barone

Phil Rosenthal on "Marie Barone " - Everybody Loves Raymond's villain

Phil Rosenthal on the relationship between "Ray" and "Marie Barone"

Phil Rosenthal on how the character "Ray Barone" changed over time

Phil Rosenthal on the Everybody Loves Raymond character "Ray Barone"

Phil Rosenthal on the character "Debra Barone"

Phil Rosenthal on the relationship between "Ray" and "Debra Barone"

Phil Rosenthal on the differences between Brad Garrett and "Robert Romano" and why the character with the least amount of power is always the audience favorite

Phil Rosenthal on the relationship between "Ray" and "Robert Romano"

Phil Rosenthal on the relationship between "Robert Romano" and his parents

Phil Rosenthal on the character of "Frank Barone"

Marion Ross on her Happy Days character, "Marion Cunningham"

Stanley Ralph Ross on Adam West as "Batman" and Burt Ward as "Robin" on Batman

Stanley Ralph Ross on writing the Batman episode "The Lady and the Tiger," which introduced "Catwoman"

Stanley Ralph Ross on the catch phrases of Batman

Mark Rothman on inventing the Happy Days  catchphrase "Sit on it!"

Mark Rothman on "Fonzie" becoming the central character of Happy Days

Mark Rothman on Henry Winkler as "Fonzie" on Happy Days

Mark Rothman on developing the characters of Laverne and Shirley

Jay Sandrich on the popularity of Don Adams' "Would you believe" catchphrase from Get Smart

William Schallert on his character(s) "Martin Lane" (and his identical brother) on The Patty Duke Show

William Schallert on why "Martin Lane" on The Patty Duke Show resonated with audiences

William Schallert on playing "Admiral Hargrade" on Get Smart

Richard Schiff on his character "Toby Ziegler" from The West Wing

Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the characters on Maude

Thomas Schlamme on Martin Sheen as "President Josiah 'Jed' Bartlet" on The West Wing

George Schlatter on the catchphrases of Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In

Lorenzo Semple, Jr. on the origin of Batman's "Robin" saying "Holy!"

Lorenzo Semple, Jr. on Adam West as "Batman" in Batman

Lorenzo Semple, Jr. on Burt Ward as "Robin" in Batman

Garry Shandling on how similar he is to the the TV version of Garry Shandling and Larry Sanders, and on breaking the fourth wall and other television conventions

Garry Shandling on the character "Larry Sanders"

Richard and Esther Shapiro on the creation of Joan Collins' character ("Alexis Carrington") on Dynasty

George Shapiro on how Andy Kaufman got the role of on Latka on Taxi

Richard and Esther Shapiro on the creation of Joan Collins' character ("Alexis Carrington") on Dynasty

William Shatner on his Star Trek character "Captain James T. Kirk"

William Shatner on the various aspects of his Boston Legal character "Danny Crane's" personality, and on how he played him

William Shatner on the various aspects of his Boston Legal character "Danny Crane's" personality, and on how he played him

Jack Shea on "George and Louise Jefferson" on The Jeffersons

Judith Sheindlin on the catchphrases, or "Judy-isms" of Judge Judy

Cybill Shepherd on her Moonlighting character, "Maddie Hayes", and "Maddie's" relationship with "David Addison"

David Shore on the House  catchphrase "Everybody lies"

David Shore on developing the character of "Gregory House" on House

David Shore on Hugh Laurie as "Gregory House" on House

Treva Silverman on creating the character of "Georgette," played by Georgia Engel, on The Mary Tyler Moore Show

Doris Singleton on her character "Carolyn Appleby" on I Love Lucy

Erika Slezak on her role as "Victoria Lord" on One Life to Live and some of her character's early storylines

Erika Slezak on her character, "Victoria Lord's," children on One Life to Live

Erika Slezak on how her One Life to Live character, "Victoria," has changed over the years

Robert Smigel on the sketch "Bill Swerski's Superfans" about the Chicago Bears fans that he wrote for Saturday Night Live

Robert Smigel on writing the "Get a life" line for William Shatner on the classic Saturday Night Live sketch "Trekkers" in which Shatner says the line to some Star Trek superfans

Robert Smigel as "Triumph the Insult Comic Dog"

Robert Smigel on his Bob Dole Clutch Cargo impression on Late Night with Conan O'Brien being his favorite; on talking about the politician in the third person; on Dole being the funniest person he ever got to play; on doing a different version of the impression when he did Dole on The Dana Carvey Show

Robert Smigel on "Triumph the Insult Comic Dog" filming a sketch outside a Star Wars movie premiere in New York City for a bit on Late Night with Conan O'Brien; on roasting the Star Wars fans; on his process creating the "Triumph" sketches and how much is improvised and how much is written; on the funniest line Triumph ever said, for the Star Wars sketch ("Triumph" says to a fan dressed as "Darth Vader" "And which one of these buttons calls your mother to pick you up?”)

Jaclyn Smith on her Charlie's Angels character, "Kelly Garrett"

Jaclyn Smith on the various adventures of her Charlie's Angels character, "Kelly Garrett," and her favorite episodes

Yeardley Smith on remaining fairly anonymous when The Simpsons first aired because the producers didn't want the actors out there (partially because they didn't want people to know that "Bart" was voiced by a woman)

Yeardley Smith on Paul and Linda McCartney's guest appearance on The Simpsons, and how they made the writers promise that "Lisa" would remain a vegetarian for the rest of the series

Tom and Dick Smothers on the origin of Tom's "mom always liked you best" catchphrase

Tom and Dick Smothers on the origin of Tom's "mom always liked you best" catchphrase

Herbert F. Solow on NBC's response to "Mr. Spock's" ears on Star Trek

Herbert F. Solow on how NBC didn't initially want "Mr. Spock" on Star Trek

Herbert F. Solow on his impression of the original idea for "Mr. Spock" on Star Trek

Herbert F. Solow on Leonard Nimoy's obvious popularity and "Mr. Spock" becoming the second lead on Star Trek

Suzanne Somers on her Three's Company character, "Chrissy Snow"

Suzanne Somers on how her hairstyle and trademark laugh came about for Three's Company character "Chrissy Snow"

Aaron Spelling on Joan Collins joining Dynasty

Caroll Spinney on performing Sesame Street's "Oscar the Grouch"

Caroll Spinney on his characterization of "Big Bird" on Sesame Street

Caroll Spinney on the mechanics of operating "Big Bird" during the first year of Sesame Street and changing the character's persona to that of a six-year-old child

Caroll Spinney on "Oscar the Grouch" and changes to the character within the first year of Sesame Street

Jean Stapleton on her initial characterization of "Edith Bunker," and seeing a single episode of the British show on which All in the Family was based, Till Death Do Us Part

Jean Stapleton on creating "Edith Bunker's" characterization, including her constant hurrying and nasal voice

Jean Stapleton on her description of All in the Family's "Edith Bunker"

Jean Stapleton on the decision to have the character of Edith Bunker die, in the Archie Bunker's Place episode "Archie Alone"

Jean Stapleton on the growth of "Edith Bunker" over the course of All in the Family, as seen in such episodes as "Edith's Night Out"

Ben Starr on coming up with the catchphrase "Whatchu talkin' 'bout Willis?" for Diff'rent Strokes

Leonard Stern on Jackie Gleason's Ralph Kramden as "Everyman"; Joe the Bartender

Leonard Stern on Art Carney and his Honeymooners character "Ed Norton"; how the hand gesticulations came about

Leonard Stern on The Honeymooners ' Audrey Meadows and her "Alice" character

Leonard Stern on recurring sketches on The Steve Allen Show : Man on the Street and The Question Man, how Don Knotts' "nope!" came about; Tom Poston's character who forgot his name

Bill Dana's "Jose Jiminez" character on The Steve Allen Show ; how it came about- running a school for Santa Clause

Leonard Stern on how "Jose Jimenez" character came about on The Steve Allen Show, developed by Bill Dana

Leonard Stern on the famous catchphrases of Get Smart ;"sorry about that chief", "would you believe", "missed it by that much"

Jeremy Stevens on Brad Garrett as "Robert Barone" on Everybody Loves Raymond

Jeremy Stevens on Patricia Heaton as "Debra Barone" on Everybody Loves Raymond

Jeremy Stevens on Doris Roberts as "Marie Barone" on Everybody Loves Raymond

Jeremy Stevens on Peter Boyle as "Frank Barone" on Everybody Loves Raymond

Jerry Stiller on his Seinfeld character "Frank Costanza"

Gale Storm on her My Little Margie character "Margie Albright"

Gale Storm on how her My Little Margie character, "Margie Albright" was not a typical American woman

Gale Storm on her character "Susannah Pomeroy" on The Gale Storm Show (aka Oh Susanna)

Gale Storm on recollections of My Little Margie via B-roll footage

J. Michael Straczynski on Michael O'Hare as "Jeffrey Sinclair" on Babylon 5

J. Michael Straczynski on Susan Ivanova as "Claudia Christian" on Babylon 5

J. Michael Straczynski on Bruce Boxleitner as "John Sheridan" on Babylon 5

J. Michael Straczynski on Jerry Doyle as "Michael Garibaldi" on Babylon 5

Lee Adams and Charles Strouse on how their song "Those Were The Days" - the title song to All in the Family - softened "Archie Bunker"

George Takei on how the name of his Star Trek character, Mr. Sulu came about

Jeffrey Tambor on his Larry Sanders Show  character "Hank Kingsley"

Jeffrey Tambor on "Hank Kingsley's" Larry Sanders Show  catchphrase "Hey Now"

Jeffrey Tambor on his impressions of "George Bluth" and his relationship to his family on Arrested Development

Marlo Thomas on the relationship between "Ann" and "Donald" on That Girl

Marlo Thomas on guest-starring on Friends -- she posits that "Rachel" is a modern "That Girl" 

Marlo Thomas on guest-starring on Friends as "Sandra Green"

Richard Thomas on working with The Waltons creator Earl Hamner, Jr., and on the character of "John-Boy Walton"

Richard Thomas on The Waltons "Goodnight" catch phrase

Richard Thomas on his character, "John-Boy Walton," on The Waltons

Richard Thomas says "goodnight" to interviewer Adrienne Faillace

Mel Tolkin on the challenges of writing for the "Archie Bunker" character on All in the Family, and on story ideas he had for the show

Daniel J. Travanti on his character, "Captain Frank Furillo's," function on Hill Street Blues

Tracey Ullman on her character "Kay Clark" on The Tracey Ullman Show, and on the character's real-life inspiration

Timothy Van Patten on his character, "Salami," on The White Shadow

Timothy Van Patten on the character "Tony Soprano"

Robert Vaughn on being recognized as "Napoleon Solo"

Robert Vaughn on his character, "Napoloeon Solo" in The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

Helen Wagner on the development of her character "Nancy Hughes" on As the World Turns

Clint Walker on his approach to playing "Cheyenne Bodie" on Cheyenne

Clint Walker on his character, "Cheyenne Bodie", on Cheyenne; on riding horses

Jimmie Walker on his character, "J.J. Evans," on Good Times, and on "Michael Evans" played by Ralph Carter

Jimmie Walker on his Good Times catch phrase, "Dyn-o-mite!" and on how Norman Lear felt about it

James Wall on his character, "Mr. Baxter," on Captain Kangaroo

Barbara Walters on Gilda Radner's Saturday Night Live character "Baba Wawa"

Joseph Wapner on the catchphrase on The People's Court - "Don't take the law into your own hands"

Malcolm-Jamal Warner on his character "Theo Huxtable" on The Cosby Show

Ruth Warrick on developing her All My Children character "Phoebe Tyler," and learning that an audience can accept a villainous character that they "love to hate" 

Ruth Warrick on All My Children's  casting and staying true to her character "Phoebe Tyler"

Ruth Warrick on what she's learned from her All My Children  character "Phoebe Tyler"

Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf on the characters on Maude

Dawn Wells on her Gilligan's Island character, Mary Ann Summers

Dawn Wells on the short shorts worn by her Gilligan's Islan d character, Mary Ann Summers

Dawn Wells on her Gilligan's Island character, Mary Ann Summers, as a role model

Dawn Wells on the question of one's preference, "Ginger or Mary Ann?"

Dawn Wells on the evolution of Mary Ann on Gilligan's Island

Adam West on "Robin's" "Holy" catchphrase on Batman

Adam West on the Batcave and Bat poles on Batman

Dr Ruth Westheimer on her start in television hosting; on how she came to be called "Dr. Ruth"

Ellen Wheeler on her Another World  character "Marley Love Hudson McKinnon"

Betty White on being cast as "Sue Ann Nivens" on The Mary Tyler Moore Show

Betty White on playing "Rose Nylund" on The Golden Girls

Tucker Wiard on Dan Quayle's comment about the character of "Murphy Brown"

Fred Willard on playing "Jerry Hubbard" on Fernwood 2-Night

Cindy Williams on her Laverne & Shirley  character "Shirley Feeney"

Cindy Williams and Penny Marshall on how the characters of "Laverne DeFazio" and "Shirley Feeney" changed in the transition from Happy Days  to Laverne & Shirley  and the wardrobe and set design of the show

Cindy Williams on "Shirley Feeney"'s character and love life on Laverne & Shirley

Cindy Williams on her input on "Shirley Feeney" on Laverne & Shirley  and how "Boo Boo Kitty" came about

Henry Winkler explains why his character "Fonzie" wouldn't comb his hair on Happy Days and describes the iconic character and his mannerisms

Henry Winkler explains when his character "Fonzie" first said "whoa" on Happy Days

Henry Winkler on satirizing his iconic character "Fonzie" on Arrested Development ; and jumping the shark.. twice

Henry Winkler on using the Fonz's catchphrases in public

Henry Winkler on Fonzie's phrases and powers

Henry Winkler on how the Fonz changed from the beginning of Happy Days to the end

Henry Winkler on being typecast as the Fonz from Happy Days

Henry Winkler on the influence of MacGyver on pop culture